Burke compares this season's flu outbreak to 2009's H1N1 scare. He says while the numbers are high for this early in the season, it isn't necessarily surprising. When dealing with the flu, he's learned anything can happen.

"We at Essentia are continuing to prepare for additional challenges," said Burke.

Meanwhile, while people continue to seek the flu vaccine, Dr. Burke says it isn't likely that they'll run out anytime soon.

Essentia Health will continue to provide flu shots at their clinic in Duluth Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dr. Burke says that while getting vaccinated is one of the best things you can do to prevent getting the flu, it isn't one hundred percent guaranteed. He says it is important to keep washing your hands and covering your cough to try to keep germs from spreading.